Page 94 of Still See You Everywhere

So instead I focus on my story. My background. Meeting with the Beautiful Butcher. Her accounting of her beloved sister who disappeared as a young child. Her request for me to find Leilani and assure her safety before the Butcher’s upcoming execution date. How after all these years, Keahi had finally received a lead on her sister’s location, which led me here.

I pause to let everyone absorb that much. Lea won’t meet my gaze. MacManus is already on his feet.

“That’s enough! I will not sit here and have you slander me.”

My turn: “Slander you? I haven’t even mentioned your name. Guilty conscience much?”

“This is an outrage!”

“No, outrage is a serial killer breaking out of prison after nearly beating her attorney to death. Outrage is you responding to the news of the Beautiful Butcher’s escape by grabbing her younger sister and hightailing it all the way out here—”

“I own this property!”

“Where you are now putting the rest of us in danger!” I rest on my laurels, which is just as well, as the room has exploded into shouted questions and gasps of horror.

MacManus’s face has turned bright red. If looks could kill, I’d be dead eight ways to Sunday. As it is, bodyguard Elias takes a step closer to me.

I keep my attention on Lea, still sitting demurely, hands on her lap, gaze on the floor. And I feel the first ripple of unease pass through me. No shock. No fear. Not even rage. If I were to judge her by her posture right now, I’d score her emotional state at a complete zero. Maybe even a negative number—she isn’t just neutral about the unfolding chaos. She’s indifferent.

And yet, just a matter of hours ago, she practically quaked in her boots at the mention of her big, bad older sister. Eyes wide with terror. The whole “don’t hurt me, don’t hurt me” vibe. Like she was auditioning for a part in a horror movie. Which would make me her audience.

A second uneasy ripple. The beginnings of a dark, disturbing thought.

Her behavior around MacManus: all demure glances, light touches of her hand. Compared to her one-on-one with me, where she made direct eye contact and issued blunt statements.

The two faces of Leilani Pierson—who can apparently change up her entire emotional makeup at a moment’s notice. All the better to manipulate everyone else. Because…

I really don’t want to be thinking what I’m thinking. Please let me be wrong. Pretty, pretty please.

Leilani glances up. Her deep almond eyes meet mine. A faint curve lifts the corner of her mouth.

And just like that, I know I’m right.

“You did it!” I blurt out. “You helped your sister escape. This whole thing, it’s been your plan from the very beginning. Why? Why would you do such a thing?” Then, on the heels of that thought: “We gotta get off this island. Everyone. Right now. If Lea’s involved, forget waiting for Keahi to get here—she’s already arrived.”

Bedlam. It takes several minutes for Vaughn to bring order to the room, partly because MacManus has gone full coronary, shouting insults at me and anyone who tries to interrupt. Jason and Elias have taken up position flanking him, their hands on their sidearms as if they’re moments away from drawing down on a group of overworked, unarmed researchers. Aolani and Ronin respond with some body language of their own, making it clear the burly outsiders will have to go through them first.

And that’s not even the craziest part.

Charlie.

After I take in Lea’s response, my gaze automatically goes to Charlie, who may or may not be an accessory. He is also staring straight at Leilani. Except…

In his gaze, I see nothing but pure, unadulterated hatred, as if he’d like to grab her by the throat right now. Stab her through the heart with a rusty knife. Kill her with his bare hands.

In response, she gives him the same toying smile she gave me. A third and final chill shivers up my spine. Based on that expression alone, Keahi and Leilani Pierson are definitely sisters.

I am so far out of my league. I don’t think either one of them is a victim. From the very beginning, none of this was as it seemed. And now, Victoria Twanow isn’t the only idealist about to pay with her life.

CHAPTER 28

I WANT TO KNOW WHAT’S GOING on with the plane!” Vaughn has to shout his demand three times to be heard over the din. Pilots Marilee and Brent acknowledge him first; then MacManus stops roaring long enough to register the valid concern. As the room finally quiets, Vaughn continues.

“Captain, you and your first officer, go inspect the Cessna again. Take additional help—”

“I’ll go,” MacManus interjects immediately. “It’s my jet. I want to know if there’s something wrong with it.”

“The comm system,” I speak up. “If the atoll’s tower is down and the satellite phones are missing, the plane’s radio is the next logical thing to disable.”

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